In response to an alleged invasion of its national secretariat by security operatives, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has issued a directive to its state chapters, urging them to mobilise and resist any attempt to take over the union.

During a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, the president, Tajudeen Baruwa, denounced the incident as “egregious and undemocratic.” He said: “This alarming act was carried out with the intent to undermine the democratically elected leadership of our union, led by Baruwa, and install a puppet leadership from Lagos State.

“The NURTW calls all its state chapters to begin mobilisation across the nation to resist this attempt at taking over our union.” He urged Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw police operatives and hoodlums from the secretariat immediately.

According to Baruwa, a large contingent of police officers, accompanied by thugs and hoodlums, cordoned off and invaded the headquarters. He argued that government interference in internal affairs of a trade union blatantly violates democratic principles and contradicts established legal processes for addressing industrial disputes as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution. Baruwa urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to take immediate steps to protect the union from hijackers.

The union also reaffirmed its commitment to principles of democracy, justice, and workers’ rights and called on Nigerians to join it in condemning the action, and safeguard democratic values.

The NURTW president warned that if unlawful actions persist, the union might be compelled to defend its rights and the interests of its members and the Nigerian people.

“We are not a war booty that can be handed over as a trophy to anyone as compensation for whatever reasons,” Baruwa added. Meanwhile, NURTW chairman, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, Ibrahim Sanda Kuje, gave an account of the invasion at a separate briefing.

He said the incident occurred on Monday, August 28, at about 7:00 a.m., when a group, claiming to represent Park Management Committees from Lagos, Ogun, and Osun mobilised thugs and hoodlums to attack the secretariat. Kuje said: “They attacked and chased away all the national officers, including the national president, while the police watched them.”

“This is an illegality that is being influenced by some top government officials, using security agents to back these disgruntled elements, who have renounced their membership of the union.

“We appeal to our members across the states to remain calm but be on standby.” Kuje also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently and avoid breakdown of law and order in the FCT. He also called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to stop backing disgruntled elements.